Ed Gallrein, the challenger backed by Trump, gathers significant funds for 2025 campaign.

Ed Galine Challenges Thomas Massie in Kentucky

Republican candidate Ed Galine is actively raising funds to unseat incumbent Republican Representative Thomas Massie in the upcoming midterm elections this November.

Galine, who hails from a long line of Kentucky farmers and is a former Navy SEAL, reported a significant fundraising effort, bringing in $1.2 million during the last quarter of the year, which spans from October to December. Notably, he received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in October for the May 2026 primary election.

“These fundraising numbers show the strong support Ed’s campaign has garnered from the onset,” said Lance Trover, a spokesperson for Galine’s campaign. “President Trump backs Ed because he recognizes that Ed is committed to prioritizing America and will cooperate with him to stimulate the economy, reduce taxes, and resist progressive policies.”

Trump has expressed a strong interest in defeating Massie, who has become one of Trump’s most vocal Republican critics in his second term.

A super PAC called MAGA KY was established in June, with the objective of unseating Massie. This super PAC has affiliations with prominent Republican donors including Paul Singer and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Noteworthy pro-Trump benefactor Miriam Adelson is also involved, contributing substantial amounts as reported by the Federal Election Commission.

Massie, who notably opposed Trump’s major legislative initiative, The Big Beautiful Bill, cited concerns about its effects on the national debt. He has also expressed dissent regarding Trump’s military actions in Iran and has been critical of the influence of the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC in American policy.

Additionally, Massie led an initiative in Congress aimed at compelling the Justice Department to release all documents related to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Following the department’s failure to meet the statutory deadline for the release of these files in December, some Kentucky lawmakers suggested potential impeachment and enforcement measures against Attorney General Pam Bondi.

As of now, Massie has not yet disclosed his funding numbers for the fourth quarter of 2025. However, in the third quarter, he raised $768,000, marking his highest fundraising total since entering Congress in 2012. He began October with a healthy bank balance of $2 million.